A story that has resonated deeply across the football community and well beyond it has placed Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai at the center of an extraordinary act of compassion. According to widely shared reports, the Hungarian international has officially adopted a baby girl who was found abandoned beneath a bridge in Liverpool several months earlier, transforming a heartbreaking beginning into a story of hope and renewal.

The infant, now named Sofia, was discovered on a cold and rain-soaked night in October 2025 under the Runcorn Bridge on the outskirts of the city. Wrapped in a drenched blanket and placed inside a cardboard box, the newborn was reportedly crying weakly when a passer-by heard the sounds and immediately contacted emergency services. Paramedics arrived quickly and transported the baby to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where doctors treated her for mild hypothermia and dehydration. Despite urgent appeals, no note or identifying information was found, and no witnesses or relatives came forward in the days that followed.

The case quickly drew attention across Merseyside, prompting police to launch a public appeal for information. The image of the tiny child fighting for survival spread across local media—and among those who saw it was Dominik Szoboszlai. The 25-year-old midfielder, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2023, was reportedly deeply affected by the story.

In a heartfelt message later shared on social media, Szoboszlai explained that seeing the baby’s photo left a lasting impression on him. He described being unable to stop thinking about how vulnerable and alone she was, and feeling a strong internal pull to take action rather than simply look away. For him, it was not a fleeting emotional reaction, but something that stayed with him day after day.

What followed was a lengthy and largely private process. Szoboszlai contacted social services and began the formal adoption procedure, which involved extensive background checks, home assessments, and legal reviews. As a high-profile athlete and a single man, he faced close scrutiny, but officials reportedly noted his stable lifestyle, financial security, and strong support network. Teammates, club staff, and close friends were said to have offered guidance and encouragement throughout the process.

On January 10, 2026, the adoption was finalized. Szoboszlai brought Sofia home to his residence in Formby, where preparations had already been made for her arrival. The nursery was filled with toys, baby clothes, and personal touches, including a small Liverpool kit bearing the name “Szoboszlai 8” on the back.

Announcing the news publicly, Szoboszlai shared a message reflecting on the journey from abandonment to belonging. He wrote that a child once left alone under a bridge had become the center of his world, and that she now had the love, safety, and family every child deserves. Alongside the message was a photograph of him holding the sleeping baby—an image that quickly spread across social media.

The response was immediate and overwhelming. The post received millions of likes within hours, with fans and fellow footballers flooding the comments with messages of admiration and support. Liverpool teammates including Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Mohamed Salah were among those who publicly congratulated him, praising his decision and welcoming Sofia into the wider Liverpool family.

Liverpool FC also released a statement expressing happiness for both Szoboszlai and his daughter, confirming that the club would continue to support him as he navigates the balance between professional football and fatherhood.

Social services confirmed that the adoption followed all legal requirements, while noting that the investigation into Sofia’s biological parents remains open, as no one has yet come forward.

For Szoboszlai, this moment represents a profound personal shift. While his career has included goals, trophies, and appearances before tens of thousands of fans, he has suggested that none of those experiences compare to the feeling of knowing a child is safe in his arms.

As Sofia begins her new life, the story of a baby once abandoned beneath a bridge and the footballer who offered her a permanent home has become a powerful symbol of empathy and responsibility. In a world often marked by division and self-interest, Dominik Szoboszlai’s actions have reminded many that a single choice—made with love—can change the course of a life forever.